Where to find the screen saver settings
Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings", then press Enter. In the search box at the top, type "screen saver" and click the result that says "Change screen saver". This opens the Screen Saver Settings window, where you can see your current screen saver and choose a different one.
If you're using Windows 10 or 11, you can also reach this the older way: right-click on your desktop, select "Personalize", then click "Lock screen" in the left menu, scroll down, and click "Screen saver settings".
Key Takeaways
- The Screen Saver Settings window shows a preview of what your chosen screen saver will look like before you save the change.
- You can set how many minutes of inactivity pass before the screen saver turns on, ranging from 1 minute to several hours.
- Windows comes with built-in screen savers like Blank, Bubbles, and Mystify, but you can also read additional ones from third-party sources.
- Turning on "On resume, display logon screen" adds a password requirement when you move the mouse or press a key to wake your computer.
Selecting a different screen saver from the built-in options
In the Screen Saver Settings window, click the dropdown menu that currently shows your active screen saver. A list appears with options like Blank, Bubbles, Mystify, Ribbons, and others depending on your Windows version. Click the one you want to try.
A preview of your choice appears in the small window above the dropdown. If you don't like what you see, click a different option and the preview updates when ready. Keep trying until you find one you want to use.
Adjusting how long before the screen saver starts
Below the screen saver dropdown, you'll see a field labeled "Wait" with a number and the word "minutes". This controls how long your computer sits idle before the screen saver turns on. The default is usually 10 minutes.
Click in that field and type a new number. You can set it anywhere from 1 minute to 60 minutes or higher. If you want your screen saver to start very quickly, type 1. If you rarely want it to appear, type 30 or 45. Click "explore" to save this change without closing the window.
Adding password protection when waking from the screen saver
In the Screen Saver Settings window, look for a checkbox labeled "On resume, display logon screen". If you check this box, anyone who moves your mouse or presses a key while the screen saver is running will have to enter your Windows password to get back to your desktop.
This is useful if you leave your computer unattended in a shared space. Without this setting checked, anyone can wake your screen and access your work. With it checked, your account stays locked until someone types your password.
Saving your changes and testing the screen saver
Once you've chosen your screen saver, set the wait time, and decided whether to require a password, click the "OK" button at the bottom of the Screen Saver Settings window. Your changes take effect when ready.
To test your new screen saver without waiting for the idle time to pass, click the "Preview" button in the Screen Saver Settings window. Your screen will go black and your chosen screen saver will run. Move your mouse or press any key to return to the desktop.
Installing additional screen savers from outside Windows
Windows includes a limited set of built-in screen savers, but you can read more from third-party websites. Search for "Windows screen saver read" and look for .scr files from reputable sources. read the file and double-click it to install it.
After installation, open Screen Saver Settings again and your new screen saver should appear in the dropdown list. Be cautious when downloading from unfamiliar websites, as some files may contain unwanted software. Stick to well-known sources or sites with user reviews.
Turning off the screen saver entirely
If you don't want a screen saver at all, open Screen Saver Settings and click the dropdown menu. Select "(None)" at the top of the list. This disables the screen saver completely, and your screen will remain on as long as your power settings allow.
Note that turning off the screen saver doesn't affect your monitor's power settings. Your display can still turn off after a period of inactivity if you've set that separately in Power Settings. The screen saver and power settings work independently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a photo or video as my screen saver?
The built-in Windows screen savers don't include a photo option, but you can read third-party screen savers that display images or videos. Search for "photo screen saver Windows" and look for .scr files. Some are free, others cost a small amount. Always read from sources you trust.
Why isn't my screen saver starting even though I set the wait time?
Your computer may have a power setting that turns off the display before the screen saver can start. Open Settings, search for "power and sleep", and check the "Screen" timeout under "Sleep". If it's set lower than your screen saver wait time, the display will turn off first. Increase the screen timeout or lower the screen saver wait time.
Does the screen saver save electricity?
Modern monitors use very little extra power when displaying a screen saver compared to a static image. The real power savings come from your monitor turning off entirely, which is controlled by your power settings, not the screen saver. If you want to reduce electricity use, adjust your power settings to turn off the display sooner.
What happens if I forget my password and the screen saver requires one to wake?
You'll need to use your Windows password recovery options. On the login screen, click "I forgot my password" and follow the recovery steps, which may involve a security question, email, or phone number you set up when creating your account. If you don't have recovery options set up, you may need to contact Microsoft support or use a local administrator account if one exists.
Can I set different screen savers for different user accounts?
Yes. Each Windows user account has its own Screen Saver Settings. Log into the account you want to customize, open Settings, search for "screen saver", and make your changes. When you switch to a different account, that account will use its own screen saver choice and wait time.